In my previous life as an academic …
… I sought to understand the dynamics of mobility and transition in cross-border contexts such as international education and migration by examining the exchange of language, culture & knowledge. I was interested in building collaborative networks among emerging academics, as well as connecting research with professional practice and policy. You can read my story about becoming a diasporic academic, and find out more about my research on ResearchGate.
My research and personal goals converged in the desire to empower newcomers to navigate transitions in their social and cultural environments. My research was concerned with multicultural and transnational communities, and utilizes sociocultural theories and multimodal analytical approaches. I was also inspired and guided by the indigenous Māori concept of manaakitanga or having the moral commitment towards building relationships on mutual trust and respect.
Originally from Singapore, I completed my doctoral study at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. My PhD integrated theoretical frameworks in novel ways to understand informal academic learning practices of international students, resulting in a robust theory of brokering. Prior to doctoral studies, I completed a Master of Arts in Teaching (TESOL) at the University of Southern California, and did a narrative case study on the identity of a minority English language learner. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from the National University of Singapore where I majored in English Language and Literature.
A CELTA trained teacher, I was formerly a business communications lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore, and an English teacher in China. I have worked at the Singapore Mediation Centre as a conflict management trainer for business professionals and government representatives. In the early part of my career, I worked in corporate communications in the IT and creative sectors.
I have published widely in a range of disciplines, and won an ISANA International Education Association award for my paper “Seeking Academic Help: A Case Study of Peer Brokering Interactions” published in 2018 by Transitions: Journal of Transient Migration. I have convened symposia on topics related to international education, and am the convenor for a national symposium on the international student experience in New Zealand. I am on the editorial board of Journal of International Students, and a conference abstract reviewer for NZARE, the New Zealand Association of Research in Education.
I was active in advocacy for international students, especially postgraduate students. I am a past president of the Postgraduate Students’ Association at the University of Waikato. I was also a regional representative for the International Students and Study Abroad SIG of CIES (Comparative and International Education Society). For several years (2017-2020) I served as the secretary of ISANA International Education Association New Zealand, an association for professionals who work in international student services, advocacy, teaching and policy development in international education.
I continue to have an active interest in international education research, especially in areas like employability of international students, culturally responsive pedagogy, and collaboration between scholars and practitioners from related fields.